Shirk off those cold winter nights and embrace a warm festive season with some of the best Christmas and holiday lights and drive-thru Christmas light experiences in the greater Philadelphia region. This guide gathers some of the best options, whether you’re looking to brave the cold and walk, stay cozy in your car, or enjoy the community spirit this holiday season. There’s an option for every taste and every budget.
The “Must-See” Walk-Throughs
A Longwood Christmas
- What it is: Seasonal horticultural displays, stunning indoor exhibits, and spectacular evening light walks.
- Dates: Nov 21–Jan 11
- Location: Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square
- Good for: The ultimate date night, stunning photos, families
- More on Longwood →
LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo
- What it is: More than a million lights illuminate the zoo, and new for 2025 is a 110-foot giant Ferris Wheel.
- Dates: Nov 20–Jan 3
- Location: Philadelphia Zoo, Philadelphia
- Good for: Kids, date night, light displays
- See more lights →
Koziar’s Christmas Village
- What it is: A nostalgic, massive, long-running light display and holiday village.
- Dates: Nov–Jan 3
- Location: Near Bernville, PA
- Good for: A classic family tradition, over-the-top lights
- Official Website →
Elmwood Park Zoo’s Wild Lights
- What it is: Family-friendly light zones and themed displays illuminating the zoo.
- Dates: Nov 21–Dec 30
- Location: Elmwood Park Zoo, Norristown
- Good for: Young kids, animal lovers
- Official Website →
Winter in Franklin Square
- What it is: PECO’s Electrical Spectacle light show, fire pits, mini golf, and family activities.
- Dates: Nov 20–Feb 28
- Location: Franklin Square, Philadelphia
- Good for: Kids, family fun, a free light show
- Official Website →
Peddler’s Village Grand Illumination
- What it is: A charming village with gingerbread competitions, Santa parades, and craft markets all under a million lights.
- Dates: Nov 14–Jan 18
- Location: Peddler’s Village, New Hope
- Good for: Shopping, charming atmosphere
- Official Website →
The Best Drive-Thru Light Shows
Shady Brook Farm Holiday Light Show
- What it is: A massive drive-thru light spectacle with wagon rides available on select nights.
- Dates: Nov 23–Jan 5
- Location: Shady Brook Farm, Yardley
- Good for: The classic drive-thru (or wagon ride) experience
- Official Website →
Herr’s Snack Factory Christmas Lights Display
- What it is: The Herr’s corporate campus hosts a drive-through display that includes over 600,000 lights.
- Dates: Wednesday night before Thanksgiving through January 1st
- Location: Herr’s, Nottingham
- Good for: A free & easy drive-thru, supporting a local brand
- Official Website →
Gift of Lights
- What it is: Dover Motor Speedway invites visitors to a two-mile drive-thru route with 2.5 million holiday lights.
- Dates: Nov 27-Jan 4
- Location: Dover Motor Speedway, Dover, DE
- Good for: A high-volume, massive light count (2.5 million!)
- Official Website →
Free Neighborhood & Town Displays
Wanamaker Light Show & Dickens Village
- What it is: The long-running Philly tradition spotlighting the Wanamaker Organ.
- Dates: Nov 28–Dec 24
- Location: Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia
- Good for: A free, iconic Philly tradition (indoors!)
- More Info →
Miracle on 13th Street
- What it is: The neighbors on the 1600 Block of South 13th Street come together annually to decorate their street and spread cheer.
- Dates: Dec 1-Jan 1
- Location: 1600 Block of South 13th St, Philadelphia
- Good for: A free, community-run neighborhood walk
- More Info →
Theme Park Light Displays
Hersheypark’s Christmas Candylane
- What it is: Millions of lights, select amusement rides, and family shows in Hershey.
- Dates: Nov 14–Jan 4
- Location: Hersheypark, Hershey
- Good for: Families, theme park fans
- Official Website →
Joy Through the Grove
- What it is: Drive through Knoebels Amusement Park for a special holiday experience with 500 illuminated pieces.
- Dates: Nov 28-Dec 31
- Location: Knoebels Amusement Park, Elysburg
- Good for: A unique drive-thru (at an amusement park!)
- Official Website →
Tips for Holiday Light Displays
- If there’s an event you’re interested in, don’t delay purchasing tickets. In fact, buy them as far in advance as possible. To control crowds, many tickets are timed or limited.
- Be sure to dress for the weather.
- If possible, visit on weekdays for smaller crowds.
Looking for More Holiday Fun?
Don’t miss the rest of the 2025 holiday coverage! Head back to the Ultimate Guide to Holiday & Winter Events in Philadelphia to find the best markets, light displays, historic tours, and more.
Photo of LumiNature courtesy of Aversa PR.
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